Heavy goods vehicles are often ahead of the motoring curve when it comes to safety and comfort technologies, and one of the most notable examples of this is the speed limiter.
Whilst mandatory electronic speed limiters have only recently been added to cars, people taking HGV courses are well aware of the mandatory limiters installed onto lorries across the country.
In Scotland and the European Union, these limiters are set to 56mph (90kph) and whilst the speed limit in England and Wales for dual carriageways and motorways is 60 mph for HGVs, many keep the limiter at 56 mph regardless, to allow for overtaking and downhill speed increases.
The speed limiter rule was initially part of the European Council Directive 62/6/EEC in February 1992 and required all HGVs with a maximum gross weight of over 7.5 tonnes to be fitted with a limiter calibrated at 60 mph (96 kph).
This was similar to EU regulations from 1988, which required all HGVs above 12 tonnes to have an electronic limiter set at 90 kph (56 mph).
Eventually, these rules were harmonised in 2001, and the speed limiter requirements for all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes were set at 56mph.
These types of limiters work by restricting fuel flow, meaning that once the lorry reaches the limiter maximum speed, the restrictor takes effect and it becomes far more difficult to accelerate further, encouraging drivers to focus on maintaining speed and staying alert for potential hazards.
The limiter has helped considerably to improve the safety of British roads and keep people safe, however, it is not a complete replacement for mindful, cautious driving.
Besides the fact that many of Britain’s roads have speed limits far lower than 56mph, there are ways to reach higher speeds, and it is important to drive with due care and attention at all times.